This Wearable Inflatable Auto-Deploys When It Detects Imminent Drowning Danger

May 11, 2017

No matter how good of a swimmer you are, there are always things that can go wrong in the water. From riptides and waves to cramps and fatigue, there are situations where your swimming might not be able to save your life. That’s where Ploota comes in.

Designed to be worn around the neck while you swim, surf, and engage in other water activities, the device can detect when there’s imminent danger of drowning, which it defines as having your head submerged for over 30 seconds. Yes that means, this is utterly useless if you’re diving and, possibly, snorkeling, but for everyone else who wants to stay safe in the water, this thing could mean the difference between life and death.

Once the sensor is triggered, Ploota will immediately deploy two inflatable cushions on each side of the neck, which will buoy you up to safety and keep your head afloat. It can also be triggered manually using a physical trigger on the left-hand side, giving yourself an emergency panic button when you realize the situation’s starting to get out of your control. When worn, the device, basically, makes you look like you’re wearing a collar, which might not be the coolest thing, but is definitely a fair trade-off for ensuring your safety.

Features include a lightweight build (so it won’t be intrusive), a battery check button (so you’ll know it will actually deploy), and three sizes to accommodate everyone from kids to adults. Do note, you’ll have to replace the CO2 cartridge every time the inflatables are deployed, so you might want to bring a small stash during holidays.

A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for the Ploota. You can reserve a unit for pledges starting at €65.

2 Responses

I think the Ploota is great for families to have, especially kids and those who enjoy watersports! My only wonder is even though it is lightweight, when the inflatable cushions deploy, does it hurt? I picture someone hanging up above water just by their neck – which isn’t great. Also how much does replacement CO2 cost? Are the canisters special to the Ploota or can you get them anywhere? If it’s one and done, extra CO2 is definitely something parents or users should have on hand just to be safe. Finally, my last question is, is there different sizes? I can see the Ploota be very useful for children but it appears as though small children may be able to slip out of this. Things happen so quickly, and even though this is still a KickStarter campaign, I really look forward to its production. It has the potential to save lives and I think that’s amazing.

I doubt it hurts, but it is much better than the alternative of drowning. There are 3 different sizes including one for children.

This seemed like it might have been a good product but the Ploota Kickstarter was removed by the creator. The creator basically said that they got important feedback and they want to create the ultimate safety device by adding safety features. The Ploota will be back in the future, but not on KickStarter.

It seems that there might have been some behind the scenes drama between Kickstarter and Ploota. Was Ploota scam product? Is Ploota legitimate but felt limited by KickStarter? Maybe Ploota simply had some legal problems or manufacturing problems. For now there is now way to buy a Ploota, but maybe if they can figure things out and find investors outside of Kickstarter they will be able to bring it back in the new version.

It seems like a Ploota scam though. Why would Ploota pull the Kickstarter and then search for outside money and not use Kickstarter again. Were they in danger of having the Ploota pulled by Kickstarter?